Birds fly over a canal in Amsterdam.
A lantern and red geraniums.
A profusion of lavender, hydrangea and other flowers on the front steps of canal houses.
Flowers and ivy cascading from window boxes.
Pots of yellow flowers brighten a house's facade.
Window boxes of pansies and petunias grace construction scaffolding.
Gerbera daisies and tulips.
Mary Oliver's poem "When the Roses Speak, I Pay Attention"
As long as we are able
to be extravagant we will be
hugely and damply
extravagant. Then we will drop
foil by foil to the ground. This
is our unalterable task and
we do it joyfully.
And they went on, "Listen,
the heart-shackles are not, as you think,
death, illness, pain,
unrequited hope, not loneliness, but
lassitude, rue, vainglory, fear, anxiety,
selfishness."
Their fragrance all the while rising
from their blind bodies, making me
spin with joy.
HI Tara!
I love that poem and just love your photos. I love the yellow pots framing those gorgeous windows.
I hope you are well!!
xo noel
Posted by: fanciful.noel@ymail.com | 01 August 2009 at 19:05
Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!!
Posted by: Rosa | 01 August 2009 at 18:55
This post is absolute perfection.
Thank you for making my day. ♥
Posted by: Rhonda Roo | 01 August 2009 at 17:01
My absolute favourite shot: gerbera daisies and tulips.
You are so blessed to see them in person.
Posted by: Se'Lah | 01 August 2009 at 13:18
Gerbera daisies, steal my heart. Such lovely photos.
xo
Posted by: Christina | 01 August 2009 at 03:12
I ache to visit Amsterdam... My guy has been, and never stops gushing about it. Love.
Posted by: Amanda Nicole | 31 July 2009 at 19:34
These are so much better than Calgon to "take me away"! As always, you da bomb! smooches
Posted by: Leau | 31 July 2009 at 13:32
such glorious abundance! you have captured a floral cornucopia to share with us..how kind of you!
OXOOOOXXX
Posted by: Robin Laws | 31 July 2009 at 07:39
All so beautiful Tara.
Your photos and words. ALso, Mary Oliver's poem!
Thank you!
xox
Constance
Posted by: Rochambeau | 31 July 2009 at 03:41
Love Mary Oliver's poetry. Your pictures were magnificent!
Posted by: Marilyn | 30 July 2009 at 23:36
Flowers, in Amsterdam!!! Oh be still my heart. I love flowers. I miss my garden, and must start a new one. One of these years!!! Time permitting :)
Until then, I visit your blog! xoxo
Posted by: gillian | 30 July 2009 at 21:05
wonderful summertime loves in such a glorious city. and that poem? perfection.
Posted by: studio wellspring | 30 July 2009 at 19:47
Why is my ivy not trailing like that? Mine keeps creeping across the grass on the village green. Do you think it's trying to escape?
Fabulous images as always my friend.
Posted by: Di Overton | 30 July 2009 at 19:23
The flowers in intertwined with the fence, what a lovely idea! The photos, the poem, just the kind of optimism, beauty and hope I like to start my day with.
Posted by: Cheryl de los Reyes Cruz | 30 July 2009 at 19:17
I've only been to Amsterdam in the dead of winter (but I still loved it). Obviously I need to make a summer visit next time.
Posted by: tangobaby | 30 July 2009 at 18:54
Loving that street lamp and those beautiful windows! Lovely!
Posted by: jeanie | 30 July 2009 at 18:34
Beautiful my lovely friend
as are YOU
Love Jeanne♥
Posted by: Jeanne | 30 July 2009 at 17:32
These photos are stunning, Tara. So vibrant in color. I hope you are enjoying your summer. xo
Posted by: bella | 30 July 2009 at 16:43
Love your photos and Mary Oliver. Thank you.
Posted by: Anna R | 30 July 2009 at 16:21
These images are pure joy and pure hope! Hope you are doing well my friend.
Posted by: Yoli | 30 July 2009 at 15:56